EP1056198B1 - Circuitry and Method of Adaptive Control of the Gain of a Feedback Amplifier - Google Patents

Circuitry and Method of Adaptive Control of the Gain of a Feedback Amplifier Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1056198B1
EP1056198B1 EP00109851A EP00109851A EP1056198B1 EP 1056198 B1 EP1056198 B1 EP 1056198B1 EP 00109851 A EP00109851 A EP 00109851A EP 00109851 A EP00109851 A EP 00109851A EP 1056198 B1 EP1056198 B1 EP 1056198B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gain
amplifier
predetermined
change
monitoring
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP00109851A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1056198A3 (en
EP1056198A2 (en
Inventor
Rudolf Werner Dr. Lorenz
Klaus Dr. Dannowski
Georg Dr. Freiburger
Armin Dr. Rau
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Deutsche Telekom AG
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Deutsche Telekom AG
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Priority claimed from DE1999123790 external-priority patent/DE19923790A1/en
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Publication of EP1056198A2 publication Critical patent/EP1056198A2/en
Publication of EP1056198A3 publication Critical patent/EP1056198A3/en
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Publication of EP1056198B1 publication Critical patent/EP1056198B1/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H03ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03GCONTROL OF AMPLIFICATION
    • H03G3/00Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers
    • H03G3/20Automatic control
    • H03G3/30Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
    • H03G3/3089Control of digital or coded signals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H03ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03GCONTROL OF AMPLIFICATION
    • H03G3/00Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers
    • H03G3/20Automatic control
    • H03G3/30Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
    • H03G3/3036Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices in high-frequency amplifiers or in frequency-changers
    • H03G3/3042Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices in high-frequency amplifiers or in frequency-changers in modulators, frequency-changers, transmitters or power amplifiers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04BTRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14Relay systems
    • H04B7/15Active relay systems
    • H04B7/155Ground-based stations

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a circuit arrangement as well a method for adaptively controlling the gain of a Feedback amplifier for digital signals. It is another embodiment of the Patent Application DE-A-197 52 283.
  • the radiation coupling between the transmitting and Reception antenna of the repeater amplifier by Environmental influences such. B. by in front of an antenna flying objects (airplanes, birds, snow, etc.) or by temporary objects on the antenna, may be time-varying, the decoupling loss be temporarily reduced so that the repeater amplifier gets into vibration.
  • regulated amplifier or repeater amplifier designed such that their Reinforcement statically by a considerable safety margin, for example, by 15 dB, below a measured mean Decoupling damping is set.
  • the middle Decoupling damping results essentially from systemic properties, e.g. the orientation of the Transmitting and receiving antenna, the distance between the antennas to each other and the offset in height mounting the transmitting and Receiving antennas.
  • the document DE 34 01 748 A1 relates to a Circuit arrangement for a digital level control with a in its gain adjustable variable gain amplifier, by a controller for a gradual change of his Output level at predetermined time intervals actuating signals receives a level discriminator, the at a Deviation of the control amplifier as a controlled variable delivered level of a target level, the direction of the Control deviation indicating signal as a manipulated variable to the Controller outputs and in addition the amount of control deviation determined, as well as with a clock generator.
  • the controller lays down depending on this amount of control deviation the Time intervals in which the control signals to the Control amplifier are delivered.
  • the invention is based on a further embodiment to the patent application DE-A-197 52 283.
  • the essence of the invention is to be seen to shift the operating point of the amplifier such that a preset swinging distance of the feedback amplifier is ensured to the Schwingbulddling.
  • the swinging distance is understood to be the distance between the gain V 0 of the amplifier stages contained in the amplifier and the gain V S at which the amplifier would oscillate. This starting point results from the fact that the oscillation distance of the amplifier is a clear measure of the strength of the feedback coupling in the amplifier.
  • the resulting gain V is infinitely large, so that the amplifier emits an output signal even without an applied input signal, ie oscillates. Further, it has been found that the smaller the swinging distance itself, the more the change in the resulting gain V produced by changing the swinging distance by a certain amount exceeds this amount of the swinging distance change.
  • the monitoring and evaluation device used in the circuit arrangement according to the patent application DE-A-197 52 283 for monitoring and evaluating a change in the signal level at the output of the amplifier Further, a means for periodically changing, in particular for lowering a predetermined gain (V 0 ) of the amplifier by a first predetermined amount at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined period of time is provided. In addition, means are provided for raising or lowering the predetermined gain V 0 by a second predetermined amount as a function of the change in the signal level at the amplifier output evaluated when the predetermined gain is changed periodically. In this way, the displacement of the operating point of the feedback amplifier takes place.
  • the circuit arrangement to a memory in which a predetermined swinging distance, which is defined by the ratio V S / V 0 , is stored.
  • the monitoring and evaluation device is designed such that it can determine from the change in the signal level at the amplifier output in response to the change of the predetermined gain by the first predetermined amount, the current swinging distance of the amplifier and compare it with the stored swinging distance. If the predetermined swinging distance is exceeded, the predetermined gain V 0 is lowered by the second predetermined amount. On the other hand, if the currently determined swinging distance is greater than the stored swinging distance, the gain V 0 of the amplifier is increased by the second predetermined amount.
  • the device for periodically changing a damping element to periodic Lowering the predetermined gain contains. Because with the Lowering the predetermined gain of the amplifier to the first predetermined amount of the swinging distance is already during the monitoring and evaluation phase temporarily increases, thereby increasing the Edbsterstargefahr the amplifier during this period can be reduced.
  • the gain V 0 of the amplifier is preset. Subsequently, the preset gain V 0 is periodically changed by a first predetermined amount. During the periodic change of the preset gain, a change in the signal level at the amplifier output is monitored and evaluated. In response to the change in the signal level at the amplifier output evaluated during the periodic change in the predetermined gain, the preset gain is raised or lowered by a second predetermined amount. This raising or lowering of the preset gain corresponds to raising or lowering the operating point of the amplifier.
  • the degree of positive feedback of the feedback amplifier can be determined by determining the gain change of the fed-back amplifier from the change in the signal level at the amplifier output. From the periodic change of the preset gain V 0 by the first predetermined amount and the resulting gain change of the amplifier, the actual swinging distance of the amplifier is calculated. Subsequently, the current oscillation distance is compared with a predetermined, stored in a memory swing distance.
  • the periodic change of the preset gain by a first predetermined Amount done by a periodic lowering is also possible.
  • Fig. 1 shows the basic circuit of an adaptive amplifier which can be used for example in a digital terrestrial broadcasting system for refreshing digital signals.
  • the adaptive amplifier generally designated 10 comprises a signal input 15 to which a receiving antenna 17 is connected.
  • the receiving antenna 17 is connected to a controllable amplifier stage 20, which is known per se.
  • the amplifier 10 further includes an output stage 40 constructed as a power amplifier, a bandpass filter 50, a signal output 60 and a transmitting antenna 65 connected thereto.
  • a level indicator 70 is connected on the input side to the signal output 60, the output thereof being connected to itself known gain control device 80 is connected to the controllable amplifier stage 20.
  • a controllable via a Tastimpulsformner 110 damping element 30 is the input side connected to the controllable amplifier stage 20 and the output side to the output stage 40.
  • the damping element has the task of lowering the preset gain V 0 of the controllable amplifier stage 20 by a first predetermined amount at predetermined time intervals for a respective predetermined period of time.
  • a clock generator 85 is provided, which may be connected on the input side to the signal output 40.
  • a monitoring and evaluation device 90 is connected to the output of the output stage 40, for example.
  • the output of the monitoring and evaluation device 90 is connected to an input of the Tastimpulsformers 110.
  • the Tastimpulsformer 110 is again connected on the output side with the damping element 30 and the gain control device 80.
  • the monitoring and evaluation device 90 is further connected to an input of the gain control device 80 and optionally to an input of the clock generator 85.
  • a gain curve A of the feedback amplifier 10 is shown in accordance with equation (2), the resulting gain V of the feedback amplifier 10 being above the gain of the controllable gain stage 20 of the amplifier.
  • the preset at the controllable amplifier stage 20 operating point of the amplifier 10 is located, which is at the gain V 0 .
  • the critical gain V S at which the amplifier 10 oscillates, forms the vertical asymptote for the curve A.
  • the time-variant oscillation spacing of the amplifier 10 is periodically monitored and evaluated in order to ensure the predetermined safety distance V S / V 0 to the vibration application point V S.
  • the gain V 0 of the controllable amplifier stage 20 is lowered by a first predetermined amount .DELTA.a by the damping element is activated at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined period of time by means of the scan pulse of the Tastimpulsformers 110.
  • the amount .DELTA.a is entered in the diagram of FIG.
  • the signal level whose change is detected by a level indicator 70 which can be connected on the output side to the monitoring and evaluation device 90, the amplification control device 80 and the sampling pulse shaper 110, changes at the output 60 of the amplifier 10.
  • logarithmic integrated cleavage solutions are available for the level measurement in the level indicator 70.
  • the conversion of their output signals into digital values allows a favorable construction of the level indicator 70 and the monitoring and evaluation device 90.
  • the monitoring and evaluation device 90 determines the corresponding change ⁇ v of the gain V of the feedback amplifier 10. From the ratio ⁇ a / ⁇ v, the monitoring and evaluation device 110 further determine the current oscillation distance V S / V 0 of the amplifier 10.
  • the monitoring and evaluation device 90 can use a look-up table stored in a memory, which contains the associated oscillation interval V S / V 0 for each measured ratio ⁇ a / ⁇ v.
  • V S / V 0 1 / (1- ⁇ a / ⁇ V) apply, which results from the slope of the curve A shown in Fig. 2.
  • the monitoring and evaluation device 90 now compares the determined current oscillation distance of the amplifier 10 with a previously stored oscillation distance. If the current swinging distance is smaller than the preset swinging distance, the gain V 0 of the variable gain amplifier 10 is lowered by a predetermined amount, which corresponds to a decrease in the operating point of the amplifier. In this way it is ensured that the preset oscillation distance of the amplifier 10 is maintained. On the other hand, if the monitoring and evaluation device 90 determines that the determined current oscillating distance is greater than the preset oscillatory distance, then the gain V 0 of the controllable amplifier stage 20 is increased by a predetermined amount, which corresponds to an increase in the operating point of the amplifier.

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  • Control Of Amplification And Gain Control (AREA)
  • Monitoring And Testing Of Transmission In General (AREA)
  • Amplifiers (AREA)

Abstract

The circuit has a watchdog and evaluation module (90) that responds to the signal level of the amplifier (60). In addition t is a stage (100)that changes the predetermined gain (Vo) of the amplifier dependent upon the period. A unit (20) raises or lower the gain dependent upon the output amplitude.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltungsanordnung sowie ein Verfahren zum adaptiven Regeln der Verstärkung eines rückgekoppelten Verstärkers für digitale Signale. Sie ist eine weitere Ausführungsform zu der Patentanmeldung DE-A-197 52 283.The invention relates to a circuit arrangement as well a method for adaptively controlling the gain of a Feedback amplifier for digital signals. It is another embodiment of the Patent Application DE-A-197 52 283.

In jüngster Zeit werden digitale terrestrische Rundfunksyteme, wie z. B.das DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting)-T- oder das DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting)-T-System, in Gleichwellennetzen betrieben, bei denen von mehreren Standorten aus synchron gesendet wird. Zur Füllung von Versorgungslücken werden Repeaterverstärker eingesetzt, deren Sende- und Empfangsantennen aufgrund einer Strahlungskopplung parasitär rückgekoppelt sind. Wenn die Verstärkung eines Repeaterverstärkers die Entkopplungsdämpfung zwischen dessen Sende- und Empfangsantenne erreicht, gerät dieser in Schwingung. Um Schwingungen und damit einen instabilen Betrieb zu vermeiden, muß die Verstärkung um einen Sicherheitsabstand kleiner sein als die Entkopplungsdämpfung. Unter dem Sicherheitsabstand versteht man ganz allgemein die in dB gemessene Differenz zwischen der Entkopplungsdämpfung zwischen dem Ein- und Ausgang eines Verstärkers und dessen Verstärkungsfaktor. Da die Strahlungskopplung zwischen der Sende- und Empfangsantenne des Repeaterverstärkers durch Umgebungseinflüsse, wie z. B. durch vor einer Antenne fliegende Objekte (Flugzeuge, Vögel, Schnee u.s.w.) oder durch zeitweise auf der Antenne befindlichen Objekte, zeitvariant sein kann, kann die Entkopplungsdämpfung zeitweise derart verkleinert sein, daß der Repeaterverstärker in Schwingung gerät. Um einen stabilen Betrieb zu gewährleisten, sind bisher bekannte, geregelte Verstärker oder Repeater-Verstärker derart ausgebildet, daß deren Verstärkung statisch um einen erheblichen Sicherheitsabstand, beispielsweise um 15 dB, unter einer gemessenen mittleren Entkopplungsdämpfung eingestellt wird. Die mittlere Entkopplungsdämpfung ergibt sich im wesentlichen aus systembedingten Eigenschaften, wie z.B. der Orientierung der Sende- und Empfangsantenne, dem Abstand der Antennen zueinander und der höhenversetzten Montage der Sende- und Empfangsantennen. Obwohl bei den bekannten Repeatern der Sicherheitsabstand recht groß gewählt ist, kann es trotzdem zur Selbsterregung des Repeaterverstärkers kommen, wenn sich die Entkopplungsdämpfung zeitweise oder dauerhaft drastisch verringert. Eine Herabsetzung des Sicherheitsabstandes tritt auch ein, wenn der Signalpegel am Repeater-Ausgang abnimmt, weil dann bei der üblichen Regelung der Ausgangsleistung die Verstärkung ansteigt, um dem Absinken der Ausgangsleistung entgegenzuwirken. Bei den herkömmlichen Repeater-Verstärkern, deren Verstärkung unabhängig von der aktuellen Entkopplungsdämpfung eingestellt wird, ist es ferner sehr schwierig festzustellen, ob der Sicherheitsabstand bezüglich des Schwingeinsatzpunktes mit viel zu großer Reserve eingestellt worden ist und dadurch Versorgungsreichweite und -qualität verschenkt wird, wodurch der Repeater unwirtschaftlich betrieben wird.Recently, digital terrestrial Broadcasting systems, such. B. the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) -T or the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) -T system, operated in single-frequency networks in which of multiple locations out of sync is sent. To the filling of supply gaps repeater amplifiers are used their transmitting and receiving antennas due to a Radiation coupling are parasitically fed back. If the Amplification of a repeater amplifier the Decoupling damping between its transmitting and Received receiving antenna, this gets in vibration. Around Avoid vibrations and thus unstable operation the gain must be smaller by a safe distance as the decoupling damping. Below the safety distance In general, the difference measured in dB is understood between the decoupling damping between the input and output Output of an amplifier and its amplification factor. There the radiation coupling between the transmitting and Reception antenna of the repeater amplifier by Environmental influences, such. B. by in front of an antenna flying objects (airplanes, birds, snow, etc.) or by temporary objects on the antenna, may be time-varying, the decoupling loss be temporarily reduced so that the repeater amplifier gets into vibration. To ensure stable operation ensure are previously known, regulated amplifier or repeater amplifier designed such that their Reinforcement statically by a considerable safety margin, for example, by 15 dB, below a measured mean Decoupling damping is set. The middle Decoupling damping results essentially from systemic properties, e.g. the orientation of the Transmitting and receiving antenna, the distance between the antennas to each other and the offset in height mounting the transmitting and Receiving antennas. Although in the known repeaters of the Safety distance is chosen quite large, it can anyway come to self-excitation of the repeater amplifier when the decoupling damping temporarily or permanently drastically reduced. A reduction of the safety distance occurs also when the signal level at the repeater output decreases, because then in the usual regulation of the output power the Gain increases to the drop in output power counteract. In the conventional repeater amplifiers, whose reinforcement is independent of the current one Decoupling damping is set, it is also very difficult to determine if the safety margin with respect the vibration application point with much too large reserve has been adjusted and thereby supply range and quality is given away, reducing the repeater is operated uneconomically.

Die Druckschrift DE 34 01 748 A1 betrifft eine Schaltungsanordnung für eine digitale Pegelregelung mit einem in seiner Verstärkung einstellbaren Regelverstärker, der von einem Regler her für eine stufenweise Veränderung seines Ausgangspegels in vorgegebenen Zeitabständen Stellsignale zugeführt erhält, einem Pegeldiskriminator, der bei einer Abweichung des von dem Regelverstärker als Regelgröße abgegebenen Pegels von einem Sollpegel ein die Richtung der Regelabweichung anzeigendes Signal als Stellgröße an den Regler abgibt und zusätzlich den Betrag der Regelabweichung ermittelt, sowie mit einem Taktgenerator. Der Regler legt abhängig von diesem Betrag der Regelabweichung die Zeitabstände fest, in denen die Stellsignale an den Regelverstärker abgegeben werden.The document DE 34 01 748 A1 relates to a Circuit arrangement for a digital level control with a in its gain adjustable variable gain amplifier, by a controller for a gradual change of his Output level at predetermined time intervals actuating signals receives a level discriminator, the at a Deviation of the control amplifier as a controlled variable delivered level of a target level, the direction of the Control deviation indicating signal as a manipulated variable to the Controller outputs and in addition the amount of control deviation determined, as well as with a clock generator. The controller lays down depending on this amount of control deviation the Time intervals in which the control signals to the Control amplifier are delivered.

Die Erfindung basiert auf einer weiteren Ausführungsform zu der Patentanmeldung DE-A-197 52 283.The invention is based on a further embodiment to the patent application DE-A-197 52 283.

Der Kerngedanke der Erfindung ist darin zu sehen, den Arbeitspunkt des Verstärkers derart zu verschieben, daß ein voreingestellter Schwingabstand des rückgekoppelten Verstärkers zum Schwingeinsatzpunkt gewährleistet ist. In der Beschreibung und in den Ansprüchen wird als Schwingabstand der Abstand zwischen der Verstärkung V0 der im Verstärker enthaltenden Verstärkerstufen und der Verstärkung VS , bei der der Verstärker in Schwingung geraten würde, verstanden. Dieser Ansatzpunkt ergibt sich aus der Tatsache, daß der Schwingabstand des Verstärkers ein eindeutiges Maß für die Stärke der sich in dem Verstärker einstellenden Mitkopplung ist. Bekanntlich nimmt die durch die Mitkopplung mitbestimmte resultierende Verstärkung V mit stärker werdender Mitkopplung aufgrund einer Verstärkungsanfachung gemäß der Gleichung V = V0/(1-kV0) zu, wobei V0 die Verstärkung des regelbaren Verstärkers und k die Rückkopplung des Verstärkers ist. Beim Schwingabstand 0 ist die resultierende Verstärkung V schließlich unendlich groß,- so daß der Verstärker auch ohne ein anliegendes Eingangssignal ein Ausgangssignal abgibt, also schwingt. Ferner hat sich gezeigt, daß die Änderung der resultierenden Verstärkung V, die beim Ändern des Schwingabstandes um einen bestimmten Betrag entsteht, diesen Betrag der Schwingabstandänderung um so mehr übertrifft, je geringer der Schwingabstand selbst ist.The essence of the invention is to be seen to shift the operating point of the amplifier such that a preset swinging distance of the feedback amplifier is ensured to the Schwingeinsatzpunkt. In the description and in the claims, the swinging distance is understood to be the distance between the gain V 0 of the amplifier stages contained in the amplifier and the gain V S at which the amplifier would oscillate. This starting point results from the fact that the oscillation distance of the amplifier is a clear measure of the strength of the feedback coupling in the amplifier. As is known, the resulting gain V, which is co-determined by the positive feedback, increases with increasing positive feedback due to gain amplification according to the equation V = V 0 / (1-kV 0 ) to, where V 0 is the gain of the variable gain amplifier and k is the feedback of the amplifier. Finally, with the oscillation interval 0, the resulting gain V is infinitely large, so that the amplifier emits an output signal even without an applied input signal, ie oscillates. Further, it has been found that the smaller the swinging distance itself, the more the change in the resulting gain V produced by changing the swinging distance by a certain amount exceeds this amount of the swinging distance change.

Das technische Problem löst die Erfindung zum einen mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1.The technical problem solves the invention with a the features of claim 1.

Um einen vorgegebenen Sicherheitsabstand eines rückgekoppelten Verstärkers von dessen zeitlich schwankenden Schwingeinsatzpunktes gewährleisten zu können, ist die in der Schaltungsanordnung nach der Patentanmeldung DE-A-197 52 283 eingesetzte Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung zum Überwachen und Auswerten einer Änderung des Signalpegels am Ausgang des Verstärkers ausgebildet. Ferner ist eine Einrichtung zum periodischen Ändern, insbesondere zum Absenken einer vorbestimmten Verstärkung (V0) des Verstärkers um einen ersten vorbestimmten Betrag in vorbestimmten zeitlichen Abständen für jeweils eine vorbestimmte Zeitdauer vorgesehen. Zudem ist eine Einrichtung zum Anheben oder Absenken der vorbestimmten Verstärkung V0 um einen zweiten vorbestimmten Betrag in Abhängigkeit der beim periodischen Ändern der vorbestimmten Verstärkung ausgewerteten Änderung des Signalpegels am Verstärkerausgang vorgesehen. Auf diese Weise erfolgt die Verschiebung des Ärbeitspunktes des rückgekoppelten Verstärkers.In order to ensure a predetermined safety distance of a feedback amplifier from the time-varying oscillating application point, the monitoring and evaluation device used in the circuit arrangement according to the patent application DE-A-197 52 283 for monitoring and evaluating a change in the signal level at the output of the amplifier. Further, a means for periodically changing, in particular for lowering a predetermined gain (V 0 ) of the amplifier by a first predetermined amount at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined period of time is provided. In addition, means are provided for raising or lowering the predetermined gain V 0 by a second predetermined amount as a function of the change in the signal level at the amplifier output evaluated when the predetermined gain is changed periodically. In this way, the displacement of the operating point of the feedback amplifier takes place.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Advantageous developments are the subject of Dependent claims.

Um zu verhindern, daß der Verstärker in Schwingung versetzt wird, darf der Abstand zwischen der geregelten Verstärkung V0 der im Verstärker enthaltenen Verstärkerstufen und der Verstärkung VS, bei der es in dem Verstärker zum Einsetzen von Schwingungen kommen würde, nicht unterschritten werden. Hierzu weist die Schaltungsanordnung einen Speicher auf, in dem ein vorbestimmter Schwingabstand, der durch das Verhältnis VS/V0 definiert wird, abgelegt ist. Ferner ist die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung derart ausgebildet, daß sie aus der Änderung des Signalpegels am Verstärkerausgang in Abhängigkeit von der Änderung der vorbestimmten Verstärkung um den ersten vorbestimmten Betrag den aktuellen Schwingabstand des Verstärkers ermitteln und diesen mit dem gespeicherten Schwingabstand vergleichen kann. Wenn der vorbestimmte Schwingabstand unterschritten wird, wird die vorbestimmte Verstärkung V0 um den zweiten vorbestimmten Betrag abgesenkt. Wenn hingegen der aktuell ermittelte Schwingabstand größer als der gespeicherte Schwingabstand ist, wird die Verstärkung V0 des Verstärkers um den zweiten vorbestimmten Betrag angehoben.In order to prevent the amplifier from being vibrated, the distance between the controlled gain V 0 of the amplifier stages contained in the amplifier and the gain V S at which the amplifier would start to oscillate must not be undershot. For this purpose, the circuit arrangement to a memory in which a predetermined swinging distance, which is defined by the ratio V S / V 0 , is stored. Furthermore, the monitoring and evaluation device is designed such that it can determine from the change in the signal level at the amplifier output in response to the change of the predetermined gain by the first predetermined amount, the current swinging distance of the amplifier and compare it with the stored swinging distance. If the predetermined swinging distance is exceeded, the predetermined gain V 0 is lowered by the second predetermined amount. On the other hand, if the currently determined swinging distance is greater than the stored swinging distance, the gain V 0 of the amplifier is increased by the second predetermined amount.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die Einrichtung zum periodischen Ändern ein Dämpfungselement zum periodischen Absenken der vorbestimmten Verstärkung enthält. Denn mit dem Absenken der vorbestimmten Verstärkung des Verstärkers um den ersten vorbestimmten Betrag wird der Schwingabstand bereits während der Überwachungs- und Auswertephase vorübergehend vergrößert, wodurch die Selbsterregungsgefahr des Verstärkers während dieser Zeitspanne verringert werden kann.It is particularly advantageous if the device for periodically changing a damping element to periodic Lowering the predetermined gain contains. Because with the Lowering the predetermined gain of the amplifier to the first predetermined amount of the swinging distance is already during the monitoring and evaluation phase temporarily increases, thereby increasing the Selbstbsterstargefahr the amplifier during this period can be reduced.

Die Weiterbildung der Patentanmeldung 197 52 283 wird ebenfalls durch die Verfahrensschritte des Anspruchs 4 definiert.The development of the patent application 197 52 283 is likewise by the method steps of claim 4 Are defined.

Danach wird zunächst die Verstärkung V0 des Verstärkers voreingestellt. Anschließend wird die voreingestellte Verstärkung V0 um einen ersten vorbestimmten Betrag periodisch geändert. Während der periodischen Änderung der voreingestellten Verstärkung wird eine Änderung des Signalpegels am Verstärkerausgang überwacht und ausgewertet. In Abhängigkeit von der während der periodischen Änderung der vorbestimmten Verstärkung ausgewerteten Änderung des Signalpegels am Verstärkerausgang wird die voreingestellte Verstärkung um einen zweiten vorbestimmten Betrag angehoben oder abgesenkt. Dieses Anheben oder Absenken der voreingestellten Verstärkung entspricht einem Anheben oder Absenken des Arbeitspunktes des Verstärkers.Thereafter, first the gain V 0 of the amplifier is preset. Subsequently, the preset gain V 0 is periodically changed by a first predetermined amount. During the periodic change of the preset gain, a change in the signal level at the amplifier output is monitored and evaluated. In response to the change in the signal level at the amplifier output evaluated during the periodic change in the predetermined gain, the preset gain is raised or lowered by a second predetermined amount. This raising or lowering of the preset gain corresponds to raising or lowering the operating point of the amplifier.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind in den Unteransprüchen umschrieben.Advantageous developments are in the dependent claims circumscribed.

Das Maß der Mitkopplung des rückgekoppelten Verstärkers kann dadurch ermittelt werden, daß aus der Änderung des Signalpegels am Verstärkerausgang die Verstärkungsänderung des rückgekoppelten Verstärkers ermittelt wird. Aus der periodischen Änderung der voreingestellten Verstärkung V0 um den ersten vorbestimmten Betrag und der daraus resultierenden Verstärkungsänderung des Verstärkers wird der aktuelle Schwingabstand des Verstärkers berechnet. Anschließend wird der aktuelle Schwingabstand mit einem vorbestimmten, in einem Speicher abgelegten Schwingabstand verglichen.The degree of positive feedback of the feedback amplifier can be determined by determining the gain change of the fed-back amplifier from the change in the signal level at the amplifier output. From the periodic change of the preset gain V 0 by the first predetermined amount and the resulting gain change of the amplifier, the actual swinging distance of the amplifier is calculated. Subsequently, the current oscillation distance is compared with a predetermined, stored in a memory swing distance.

Wie bereits erwähnt, kann die periodische Änderung der voreingestellten Verstärkung um einen ersten vorbestimmten Betrag durch ein periodisches Absenken erfolgen.As already mentioned, the periodic change of the preset gain by a first predetermined Amount done by a periodic lowering.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels in Verbindung mit den beiliegenden Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Darin zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Blockschaltbild eines adaptiven Repeaters gemäß der Erfindung, und
Fig. 2
ein Diagramm, bei dem die resultierende Verstärkung des Verstärkers 10 nach Fig. 1 über der Verstärkung der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 aufgetragen ist.
The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Show:
Fig. 1
a block diagram of an adaptive repeater according to the invention, and
Fig. 2
a diagram in which the resulting gain of the amplifier 10 of FIG. 1 is plotted against the gain of the controllable amplifier stage 20.

Fig. 1 zeigt die Prinzipschaltung eines adaptiven Verstärkers, der beispielsweise in einem digitalen terrestrischen Rundfunksystem zur Auffrischung von digitalen Signalen verwendbar ist. Der allgemein mit 10 bezeichnete adaptive Verstärker umfaßt einen Signaleingang 15, an dem eine Empfangsantenne 17 angeschlossen ist. Die Empfangsantenne 17 ist mit einer regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 verbunden, die an sich bekannt ist. In an sich bekannter Weise enthält der Verstärker 10 weiter eine als Leistungsverstärker aufgebaute Endstufe 40 , ein Bandpaßfilter 50, einen Signalausgang 60 sowie eine daran angeschaltete Sendeantenne 65. Gewöhnlich ist ein Pegelindikator 70 eingangsseitig mit dem Signalausgang 60 verbunden, wobei dessen Ausgang über eine an sich bekannte Verstärkungs-Steuerungseinrichtung 80 mit der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 verbunden ist. Ein über einen Tastimpulsformner 110 ansteuerbares Dämpfungselement 30 ist eingangsseitig mit der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 und ausgangsseitig mit der Endstufe 40 verbunden. Wie nachfolgend noch näher ausgeführt wird, hat das Dämpfungselement die Aufgabe, die voreingestellte Verstärkung V0 der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 um einen ersten vorbestimmten Betrag in vorbestimmten zeitlichen Abständen für jeweils eine vorbestimmte Zeitdauer abzusenken. Ferner ist ein Taktgeber 85 vorgesehen, der eingangsseitig mit dem Signalausgang 40 verbunden sein kann. Eine Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 ist beispielsweise mit dem Ausgang der Endstufe 40 verbunden. Darüber hinaus ist der Ausgang der Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 mit einem Eingang des Tastimpulsformers 110 verbunden. Der Tastimpulsformer 110 ist ausgangsseitig wiederum mit dem Dämpfungselement 30 und der Verstärkungs-Steuerungseinrichtung 80 verbunden. Die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 ist ferner mit einem Eingang der Verstärkungs-Steuerungseinrichtung 80 und fakultativ mit einem Eingang des Taktgebers 85 verbunden.Fig. 1 shows the basic circuit of an adaptive amplifier which can be used for example in a digital terrestrial broadcasting system for refreshing digital signals. The adaptive amplifier generally designated 10 comprises a signal input 15 to which a receiving antenna 17 is connected. The receiving antenna 17 is connected to a controllable amplifier stage 20, which is known per se. In a manner known per se, the amplifier 10 further includes an output stage 40 constructed as a power amplifier, a bandpass filter 50, a signal output 60 and a transmitting antenna 65 connected thereto. Usually, a level indicator 70 is connected on the input side to the signal output 60, the output thereof being connected to itself known gain control device 80 is connected to the controllable amplifier stage 20. A controllable via a Tastimpulsformner 110 damping element 30 is the input side connected to the controllable amplifier stage 20 and the output side to the output stage 40. As will be explained in more detail below, the damping element has the task of lowering the preset gain V 0 of the controllable amplifier stage 20 by a first predetermined amount at predetermined time intervals for a respective predetermined period of time. Furthermore, a clock generator 85 is provided, which may be connected on the input side to the signal output 40. A monitoring and evaluation device 90 is connected to the output of the output stage 40, for example. In addition, the output of the monitoring and evaluation device 90 is connected to an input of the Tastimpulsformers 110. The Tastimpulsformer 110 is again connected on the output side with the damping element 30 and the gain control device 80. The monitoring and evaluation device 90 is further connected to an input of the gain control device 80 and optionally to an input of the clock generator 85.

Die Funktionsweise der Schaltungsanordnung wird nachfolgend in Verbindung mit Fig. 2 ausführlicher geschildert.The operation of the circuit will in more detail below in connection with FIG. 2 portrayed.

Zunächst wird in der oben angegebenen Gleichung (1) die Rückkopplung k durch den Ausdruck 1/VS ersetzt, wobei mit VS die Verstärkung bezeichnet wird, bei der der Verstärker 10 zu Schwingen beginnt. Daraus folgt v = V0/(1-V0/VS), wobei VS/V0 der oben definierte Schwingabstand des Verstärkers ist.
In Fig. 2 ist eine Verstärkungskurve A des rückgekoppelten verstärkers 10 gemäß Gleichung (2) dargestellt, wobei die resultierende Verstärkung V des rückgekoppelten Verstärkers 10 über der Verstärkung der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 des Verstärkers ist. Ferner ist der an der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 voreingestellte Arbeitspunkt des Verstärkers 10 eingezeichnet, der bei der Verstärkung V0 liegt. Die kritische Verstärkung VS, bei der der Verstärker 10 in Schwingung gerät, bildet die senkrechte Asymptote für die Kurve A.
First, in the above equation (1), the feedback k is replaced by the expression 1 / V S , where V S denotes the gain at which the amplifier 10 starts to oscillate. It follows v = V 0 / (1-V 0 / V S ) where V S / V 0 is the above-defined swinging distance of the amplifier.
In Fig. 2, a gain curve A of the feedback amplifier 10 is shown in accordance with equation (2), the resulting gain V of the feedback amplifier 10 being above the gain of the controllable gain stage 20 of the amplifier. Furthermore, the preset at the controllable amplifier stage 20 operating point of the amplifier 10 is located, which is at the gain V 0 . The critical gain V S , at which the amplifier 10 oscillates, forms the vertical asymptote for the curve A.

Wie bereits erwähnt, wird der zeitvariante Schwingabstand des Verstärkers 10 periodisch überwacht und ausgewertet, um den vorbestimmten Sicherheitsabstand VS/V0 zum Schwingeinsatzpunkt VS gewährleisten-zu können. Hierzu wird die Verstärkung V0 der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 um einen ersten vorbestimmten Betrag Δa abgesenkt, indem mit Hilfe des Tastimpulses des Tastimpulsformers 110 in vorbestimmten zeitlichen Abständen für jeweils eine vorbestimmte Zeitdauer das Dämpfungselement aktiviert wird. Der Betrag Δa ist in dem Diagramm nach Fig. 2 eingetragen. Infolge des Absenkens des Arbeitspunktes ändert sich am Ausgang 60 des Verstärkers 10 der Signalpegel, dessen Änderung ein Pegelindikator 70, der ausgangsseitig mit der Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90, der Vertärkungs-Steuereinrichtung 80 und dem Tastimplulsformer 110 verbunden sein kann, feststellt. Für die Pegelmessung im Pegelindikator 70 stehen logarithmierend wirkende integrierte Schältungslösungen zur Verfügung. Die Umsetzung ihrer Ausgangssignale in Digitalwerte ermöglicht einen günstigen Aufbau des Pegelindikators 70 und der Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90. Aus der Änderung des Signalpegels ermittelt die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 die entsprechende Änderung Δv der Verstärkung V des rückgekoppelten Verstärkers 10. Aus dem Verhältnis Δa/Δv kann die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 110 ferner den aktuellen Schwingabstand VS/V0 des Verstärkers 10 ermitteln. Dazu kann sich die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 einer in einem Speicher abgelegten Nachschlagetabelle bedienen, die für jedes gemessenen Verhältnis Δa/Δv den dazugehörenden Schwingabstand VS/V0 enthält. Alternativ kann die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung zur Ermittlung des aktuellen Schwingabstandes die Gleichung VS/V0 = 1/ (1-Δa/ΔV) anwenden, die sich aus der Steigung der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Kurve A ergibt.As already mentioned, the time-variant oscillation spacing of the amplifier 10 is periodically monitored and evaluated in order to ensure the predetermined safety distance V S / V 0 to the vibration application point V S. For this purpose, the gain V 0 of the controllable amplifier stage 20 is lowered by a first predetermined amount .DELTA.a by the damping element is activated at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined period of time by means of the scan pulse of the Tastimpulsformers 110. The amount .DELTA.a is entered in the diagram of FIG. As a result of the lowering of the operating point, the signal level whose change is detected by a level indicator 70, which can be connected on the output side to the monitoring and evaluation device 90, the amplification control device 80 and the sampling pulse shaper 110, changes at the output 60 of the amplifier 10. For the level measurement in the level indicator 70, logarithmic integrated cleavage solutions are available. The conversion of their output signals into digital values allows a favorable construction of the level indicator 70 and the monitoring and evaluation device 90. From the change of the signal level, the monitoring and evaluation device 90 determines the corresponding change Δv of the gain V of the feedback amplifier 10. From the ratio Δa / Δv, the monitoring and evaluation device 110 further determine the current oscillation distance V S / V 0 of the amplifier 10. For this purpose, the monitoring and evaluation device 90 can use a look-up table stored in a memory, which contains the associated oscillation interval V S / V 0 for each measured ratio Δa / Δv. Alternatively, the monitoring and evaluation device for determining the current oscillation distance, the equation V S / V 0 = 1 / (1-Δa / ΔV) apply, which results from the slope of the curve A shown in Fig. 2.

Die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 vergleicht nunmehr den ermittelten aktuellen Schwingabstand des Verstärkers 10 mit einem vorher abgespeicherten Schwingabstand. Ist der aktuelle Schwingabstand kleiner als der voreingestellte Schwingabstand, wird die Verstärkung V0 des regelbaren Verstärkers 10 um einen vorbestimmten Betrag abgesenkt, was einer Absenkung des Arbeitspunktes des Verstärkers entspricht. Auf diese Weise wird sichergestellt, daß der voreingestellte Schwingabstand des Verstärkers 10 eingehalten wird. Stellt die Überwachungs- und Auswerteeinrichtung 90 hingegen fest, daß der ermittelte aktuelle Schwingabstand größer als der voreingestellte Schwingabstand ist, dann wird die Verstärkung V0 der regelbaren Verstärkerstufe 20 um einen vorbestimmten Betrag angehoben, was einer Anhebung des Arbeitspunktes des Verstärkers entspricht.The monitoring and evaluation device 90 now compares the determined current oscillation distance of the amplifier 10 with a previously stored oscillation distance. If the current swinging distance is smaller than the preset swinging distance, the gain V 0 of the variable gain amplifier 10 is lowered by a predetermined amount, which corresponds to a decrease in the operating point of the amplifier. In this way it is ensured that the preset oscillation distance of the amplifier 10 is maintained. On the other hand, if the monitoring and evaluation device 90 determines that the determined current oscillating distance is greater than the preset oscillatory distance, then the gain V 0 of the controllable amplifier stage 20 is increased by a predetermined amount, which corresponds to an increase in the operating point of the amplifier.

Claims (6)

  1. Circuit arrangement for the adaptive control of the gain of a feedback amplifier for digital signals with a clock generator (85) and a monitoring and evaluation means (90),
    characterized in that
    the monitoring and evaluation means is formed to monitor and evaluate a change in the signal level at the amplifier output;
    a means (100) is provided for periodically changing a predetermined gain (V0) of the amplifier by a first predetermined value (Δa) at predetermined time intervals each for a predetermined duration and
    a means (20, 80) is provided for increasing or reducing the predetermined gain (V0) by a second predetermined value as a function of the change - evaluated during the periodic changing of the predetermined gain - in the signal level at the amplifier output.
  2. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    a storage means, storing a predetermined oscillation interval of the amplifier, is connected to the monitoring and evaluation means (90) and
    the monitoring and evaluation means is capable - from the change in the signal level at the amplifier output as a function of the change of the predetermined gain by the first predetermined value - of determining the current oscillation interval of the amplifier and comparing same with the stored oscillation interval.
  3. Circuit arrangement according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    the means for periodic change contains an attenuation element for periodically reducing the predetermined gain.
  4. Method for the adaptive control of the gain of a feedback amplifier for digital signals according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said method having the following method steps:
    presetting of the gain (V0) of the amplifier;
    periodic changing of the preset gain (V0) by a first predetermined value (Δa);
    monitoring and evaluating of a change in the signal level at the amplifier output during the periodic changing of the preset gain; and
    increasing or reducing of the preset gain (V0) by a second predetermined value as a function of the change - evaluated during the periodic changing of the predetermined gain - in the signal level at the amplifier output.
  5. Method according to claim 4,
    characterized in that
    the monitoring and evaluating step includes the following further method steps:
    the corresponding change in gain (ΔV) of the feedback amplifier is determined from the change in the signal level at the amplifier output;
    calculation of the current oscillation interval of the amplifier from the change in gain (ΔV) and the periodic changing of the preset gain (V0) by a first predetermined value;
    comparing of the current oscillation interval with a predetermined oscillation interval.
  6. Method according to claim 4 or 5,
    characterized in that
    the preset gain (V0) is periodically reduced by a first predetermined value.
EP00109851A 1999-05-25 2000-05-10 Circuitry and Method of Adaptive Control of the Gain of a Feedback Amplifier Expired - Lifetime EP1056198B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19923790 1999-05-25
DE1999123790 DE19923790A1 (en) 1997-11-26 1999-05-25 Adaptive regulation of the gain of a feedback coupled amplifier based upon period and output amplitude

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1056198A2 EP1056198A2 (en) 2000-11-29
EP1056198A3 EP1056198A3 (en) 2001-01-31
EP1056198B1 true EP1056198B1 (en) 2005-04-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00109851A Expired - Lifetime EP1056198B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2000-05-10 Circuitry and Method of Adaptive Control of the Gain of a Feedback Amplifier

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AT (1) ATE294463T1 (en)
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Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3401748A1 (en) * 1984-01-19 1985-08-01 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR DIGITAL LEVEL CONTROL
US4776032A (en) * 1985-05-15 1988-10-04 Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corporation Repeater for a same frequency with spillover measurement
US5736901A (en) * 1995-04-04 1998-04-07 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Radio frequency amplifier with stable operation and restrained oscillation at low frequencies
GB9522198D0 (en) * 1995-10-30 1996-01-03 British Broadcasting Corp Ofdm active deflectors
DE19752283C2 (en) * 1997-11-26 2000-08-10 Deutsche Telekom Ag Circuit arrangement and method for adaptively regulating the gain of a feedback amplifier for digital signals, in particular for a digital broadcasting system

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EP1056198A3 (en) 2001-01-31
EP1056198A2 (en) 2000-11-29
ATE294463T1 (en) 2005-05-15
DE50010141D1 (en) 2005-06-02

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